DAY 1: PICK-UP PIETERMARITZBURG – UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG

Salute the sunrise with the world at your feet! The world is yours to wonder at in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, one of South Africa's prime ecotourist destinations and a World Heritage Site.

Historic Giant's Castle Game Reserve, home of the eland and the majestic bearded vulture, lies in the Central Berg region of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site. Giant's Castle camp is situated on a grassy plateau among the deep valleys running down from the face of the High Drakensberg, offering glorious views for hikers and mountain climbers.

Overnight: Giants Castle (D)

DAYS 2 & 3: DRAKENSBERG
Superb rock art is high among its special attractions. The renowned vulture restaurant is open in winter for visitors to watch bearded vultures and other endangered species feeding. Visit the Main Caves Museum for fascinating insight into the past lifestyle of the San people.

Overnight: Giants Castle (B & D)

DAY 4: ISANDLAWANA & RORKES DRIFT BATTLEFIELDS

Full day out in the field imagining the true-life drama that unfolded in these areas …

The Anglo-Zulu War of 1879
Fearing a Zulu invasion of Natal, the Natal Government issued the famous ultimatum to the Zulu King of Cetwaya which was impossible to fulfill. On expiry of the ultimatum, the British invaded Zululand. On 22 January 1879, 20 000 Zulus defeated the invaders at iSandlwana. A mere handful escaped to safety across the swollen Buffalo River at Fugitive’s Drift.

The afternoon of the same day, at Rorke’s Drift, 141 British soldiers fought off repeated attacks by 4 000 Zulus. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded, earning this battle the distinction of having the highest number of VC’s ever awarded in a single engagement.

Overnight: Zulu Wings (B & D)

DAY 5: BATTLE OF BLOOD RIVER / TALANA MUSEUM

Visit the Price Imperial Memorial site near Nqutu where the death of Louis Napoleon, a 24-year old Prince of France was killed before returning to Dundee and learning about the events that took place at the Battle of Blood River.

The first major battle of the Voortrekker-Zulu conflict took place some 48km east of Dundee at what came to be known as Blood River. On the 16th December 1838 the Zulus attacked with between 15 000 and 20 000 men. Three times they were driven off by fire before Pretorius turned their general retrean into a complete rout, leaving 3 000 dead and the river dark with blood. No Boers died, giving rise to the nationalistic Afrikaner myth that their Old Testament God had protected them against invincible odds, proving that they were indeed the chosen race.

The 16th December remains a national holiday (though renamed ‘Day of Reconciliation’) and visitors can view replica laager, with 64 life-size ox-waggons cast in bronze, at the site of the Blood River Battlefield.

The Anglo Boer War 1899-1902 – Talana Battlefield Dundee
War between wearing khaki in the field in South Africa for the first time, successfully drove the enemy off Talana Hill, but sustained heavy losses during Battle.

Overnight: Zulu Wings (B & D)

DAY 6: LADYSMITH / SPIOENKOP BATTLEFIELD

Spioenkop Battlefield
For 118 days Boer forces lay siege to the town of Ladysmith, an epic destined to remain unsurpassed in the history of the British Empire. On 24 January the nearby Spioenkop Hill was the scene of the most futile, certainly the bloodiest of the four battles fought in an effort to relieve the beleaguered town.

Overnight: Zulu Wings (B & D)

DAY 7: CHURCHILL’S CAPTURE SITE / DROP-OFF PIETERMARITZBURG

END OF AFRICAN INSIGHT ARRANGEMENTS

GUIDE:
Ron Gold is a well known specialist KwaZulu Natal Battlefields guide, recognised as a historian with an exceptionally well researched knowledge of his subject. With Ron you will relive the drama and bravery of battles between Zulu/Boer, Boer/British and Boer/British - interspersed with strange and sometimes laughable stories on people and events.

*The above price is based on a 4 adults travelling
*B – Breakfast
*L – Lunch
*D – Dinner